Time includes two South American countries in list of top 100 must-visit destinations: showcasing beauty, culture, and gastronomy.
The prestigious magazine Time has revealed its highly anticipated selection of the best destinations for 2024. This ranking, which highlights unique experiences and charming locations, focused on two South American countries that have stood out for their cultural, natural, and gastronomic offerings. The interesting aspect is not only their inclusion but the specific reasons why they were chosen, and what they represent for regional tourism.
Chile: Gastronomy with identity and reinvented nature
Chile was one of the countries that stood out among the favorites, thanks to two innovative and authentic proposals: a hidden restaurant in Santiago that offers and a rural route that brings visitors closer to the deepest roots of the Chilean land.
The Yum Cha restaurant, located in the Pedro de Valdivia Norte neighborhood, started as an intimate proposal for only two diners but grew to become a reference in fusion Asian haute cuisine. Its ten-course menu, paired with teas like Taiwanese oolong or Korean red tea, transcends mere food: it becomes a ceremony. The experience evokes ancient Chinese traditions adapted to local tastes and culture. describes it as an unexpected gem in a city known for its love of tea.
On the other hand, the Ruta de los Abastos, in the O’Higgins region, offers more than just culinary tourism. It invites immersion into rural Chile, with experiences as diverse as collecting seaweed in Pichilemu with local communities or tasting artisanal wines in family vineyards. The proposal aims to strengthen the bond between the land, producers, and visitors, promoting a more conscious and sustainable approach to travel.
Reconnecting with nature in its purest state
The second South American country on the list is , represented by the province of Corrientes and its impressive Iberá Reserve. This immense ecosystem, one of the largest wetlands on the planet, has been the setting for one of the most ambitious rewilding projects in the world.
Thanks to the work of Rewilding Argentina, since 2021, native species that had disappeared for decades have been reintroduced, including pampas deer, peccaries, anteaters, and, iconically, the jaguar. Today, at least 25 individuals live freely in the reserve, restoring natural balance to this unique environment.
The experience in Iberá goes beyond wildlife observation. It represents a reconnection with a recovering ecosystem, a living lesson on the relationship between humans and nature. International recognition underscores the value of protecting native species and demonstrates how tourism can actively contribute to conservation.
South America as a stage for transformative experiences
The inclusion of these destinations in Time’s list not only celebrates the beauty of the places but also . Whether through the ritual of a silently served tea or the roar of a free jaguar, each of these spaces offers a different way of inhabiting the world.
Both countries demonstrate that tourism in 2024 leans towards authenticity, sustainability, and memorability. And that South America has much more to show than many may imagine.
